Story perspectives

Sperm Whales Emit Bubbles to Control Buoyancy During Naps

7/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Scientists Noémie Freymond, Alec Burslem and Patrick Miller published a study showing sperm whales emit bubbles to regulate buoyancy while resting and propose the bubbles counter expanding lung gas to maintain buoyancy.
Tagging 42 whales showed whales near the surface (?26 ft) released bubbles 11 times per 10- to 15-minute nap, while those ascending from depths over 656 ft emitted only three or four bubbles.
Findings indicate whales can fine-tune their position even during sleep-like rest.

1 of 1

Story summary

Scientists Noémie Freymond, Alec Burslem and Patrick Miller published a study showing sperm whales emit bubbles to regulate buoyancy while resting and propose the bubbles counter expanding lung gas to maintain buoyancy.
Tagging 42 whales showed whales near the surface (?26 ft) released bubbles 11 times per 10- to 15-minute nap, while those ascending from depths over 656 ft emitted only three or four bubbles.
Findings indicate whales can fine-tune their position even during sleep-like rest.